WWF Summerslam 1998 (Retro Review)

Good morning ladies and gents, I am your Local Hero, your Review Guy, Cameron McDonley and it's time for another retro review! With just 48 Hours away until this Sunday's festivities, I bring you a review and retrospective of the most profitable and some say, greatest Summerslam of all time. That's right, we are reviewing Summerslam 1998: The Highway To Hell, which emanates from the hallowed halls of the world famous Madison Square Garden in New York City. So without further ado, let's inject Rest Hold Party with a lethal dose of Attitude!

To kickoff this action-packed event on a hot summer night in late August of 1998, D' Lo Brown defends his European Championship against one of the most memorable characters in the WWF at the time, Val Venis. This was a very even, back and forth matchup between two men who wanted nothing more than to be the European Champion on this night. Over the course of this contest there were a lot of high impact moves and spots. Val Venis at one point in the match jumped off the top rope and got caught by the champion who proceeded to execute a sit-out spinebuster type of maneuver on the challenger only to get a near-fall. Val Venis would go for a T-Bone Suplex as well as a few other moves, but the most devastating part of the match was when D' Lo had him in position for a powerbomb, picked him up and in a very grotesque fashion, dropped the challenger on his neck.

The match would end in a disqualification when Val ripped D' Lo's chest protector off of him, proceeded to go to the top rope where the referee would try to stop him (and succeeded) by accidentally crotching him on the post. Venis would retaliate later by pushing the referee down which would cost him. However not all's lost as the Big Valbowski would scoop slam the ref on the canvas, go to the top rope and execute a devastating Money Shot. Overall an entertaining opener minus the frightening powerbomb. Good way to start the show.

Match Rating: 3/5 

Now this next match was not a competitive affair, nor was it advertised to be. It was a match of comedic proportions between a team accompanied to the ring by Insane Clown Posse known as The Oddities and another all-Japanese team that went by the name of Kai En Tai, who were famous for trying to cut off a certain part of Val's anatomy earlier on in the year. Most of this match as you would expect was mainly Taka Michinoku and Dick Togo bumping around like crazy for these tall, huge behemoths that stand between them and victory. It was not a terribly long match either as after 10 minutes or so it ended in a very quick and painless fashion (for the fans watching at least) as Golga stacked every member of the team on top of each other and pinned them all at once for the win. Not much else to say here, as it was certainly far from the best match on this otherwise stacked to the hills card.

Match Rating: 2.5/5 

As dull as the last match was, this next battle surely made up for it as it was a rather entertaining affair. It was also a very personal one, as it was billed to be a Hair vs Hair match between Jeff Jarrett and DX Member X-Pac. Earlier on in the night Double J committed a despicable and heinous act in the words of Jim Ross as Jarrett and Southern Justice shaved Howard Finkel's head unrtil he was completely bald. Now I don't know how much hair he had left on his head, but it apparently meant a lot to these people in MSG as they booed JJ and chanted "Jarrett Sucks" for the rest of the segment on Heat.

Now on to the actual PPV match, this one was highly competitive and both men did whatever they could to avoid getting their hair shaved. The future founder of TNA Wrestling tried to cheat his way to victory, but to no avail as it backfired. X-Pac ended up grabbing his all-important guitar, smashed it over his head while the referee could not visibly see what was going on, and ended up getting the three count. You'd think that meant that Jarrett had to suck it up, buttercup and get his head shaved, but nope! In hilarious fashion, the clippers botched and gave out in the middle of cutting his hair so they had to resort to shears to cut whatever they could before taking him to the back to finish the job. Long story short he's not bald, he just has short hair. Fun match I must say.

Match Rating: 3/5

This tag match involving Sable and her opponents Marc Mero & Jacqueline was looking to be a Handicap match as she had not yet revealed who her opponent was, but much to everyone's surprise and the chagrin of her adversaries, she did find a partner, but in the unlikely form of the Rated R SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPERSTARRRRRRRRR (not yet sadly, just barely debuting), EDGE!

Now this match was another short one as it only went 8-10 minutes (a staple of this very romanticized era in wrestling), but it did feature a memorable spot of sorts as Edge leapt over the top rope onto both Mero & Jacqueline before Sable would end it with a TKO to obtain the victory. Edge and Sable also had a really awkward staring contest in the middle of the ring before Edge ran off into the crowd. I guess you could say that on that day, he saw clearly.

Very much a quick and painless match, but not dull in the slightest.

Match Rating: 2.7/5

This next contest was sure to be a knock-down, drag-out war, as Owen Hart and Ken Shamrock were gonna face off in a Lion's Den Match. And sure enough, it was everything it was billed to be as this match was nothing like what anybody was used to seeing in the WWF, even at that time. Instead of a match with a bunch of weapons or brawling into the backstage area, this match was a shoot-style type of affair. Very heavy strikes, brutal moves and using the opponent's head as a battering ram into the beams of the cage were all present in this match, or should I say fight.

I enjoy matches that feel real, and this one definitely felt like a real shoot fight between two wrestlers who honestly probably could've handled themselves rather well had this been an actual shoot. With Ken being a former UFC Superfight Champion and the late Owen Hart being a graduate of the famed Hart Dungeon in Calgary, this was certainly believable and if shown to a non-wrestling fan, I'm sure 85% of it could be seen as legitimate. All in all a great contest and one of the finest outings on this entire PPV.

Match Rating: 3.5/5

Mankind was scheduled to team up with the "Big Red Machine" Kane in this next match with the New Age Outlaws, but Kane refused to team with Mrs. Foley's baby boy, therefore effectively making this a handicap match. This match was a good match for something that's not necessarily a good stipulation. It was still very much engaging as there was a few hope spots in there for the lone tag team champion, but in the end all resistance to defeat proved to be futile, as Road Dogg and Billy Gunn ended up becoming the new WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS OF THE WORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRLD.

After the match the New Age Outlaws proceeded to place Mankind in the dumpster where alas, Kane was indeed waiting. He popped out of the dumpster with a sledgehammer in hand, and basically committed attempted murder on Mankind with the sledgehammer. Sounds like that feud is far from over. Overall a good match.

Match Rating: 3/5 

After all the great action MSG had seen on August 30th, 1998, it was time for the two main events. The first of which was a Ladder Match for the very historically prestigious Intercontinental Championship between two men who would eventually become two of the biggest stars this business has ever seen. Those men were Triple H and The Rock. And what a matchup this turned out to be.

This long and grueling match started off slow, but as time went on it picked up a lot of steam. Both men vigorously laid into each other, not at all letting up the punishment. Many times the ladder was in play as a weapon, including a spot in the match where The Rock sandwiched HHH's leg in between the ladder and then used a chair in the most vile way possible, further destroying his rival's leg in the process so that way he could not stop Rock from climbing up the ladder and grabbing what he feels is rightfully his. However HHH persevered and continued fighting, even giving The Brahma Bull a dropkick to the face while he was holding the ladder on the outside, giving him a very bloody reciprocal for his callous actions. At the end of the night, the man standing atop of all the carnage and violence was one man, The Game himself. The People's Champion was not the IC Champion anymore.

Not much more to say other than this was certainly Match Of the Night.

Match Rating: 4.5/5

Here we go ladies and gentlemen, this is your main event of the evening! The final stop on the Highway To Hell has finally arrived, and these two megastars will finally collide for the World Wrestling Federation Championship. At the height of the Attitude Era, this was your main event for the highest bought Summerslam of all time. 700,000 buys and it was all for this one match right here.

While this may not have been the best match of the night in many fans' eyes, it was certainly the biggest match you could do on this night. It certainly did not lack in firepower either, as both Stone Cold and the Undertaker came swinging out of the gate and drama was very high for most of this match, including fighting in the crowd and a very memorable spot in the match where The Undertaker placed Austin on the announce table, went to the top rope and landed the biggest legdrop known to man onto Austin. Crazy enough that table did not break, and I'm not sure how their bodies didn't break given the almighty force of that spot. Easily the biggest OMG moment of the night.

After all of those spots and high-drama action points included a thwarted appearance by Kane, the match finally ended when Austin hit the Stunner on the Undertaker, got the pinfall victory and celebrated what was for sure a big win for the champion on this night. When it looked like 'Taker was gonna attack him at the close of the show with title in hand, he decided not to and handed the rightful champion his title belt, walking away and leaving the ring to the Texas Rattlesnake to close the PPV.

Overall a very phenomenal match.

Match Rating: 4/5

Overall Show Rating: 4.5/5
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Well that's it for this review for what was for sure a great show and in my opinion the best Summerslam of All Time.

I am the Local Hero, your Review Guy himself Cameron McDonley and I will see you all again very, very soon!

NEWS: NWA Smoky Mountain will have its final show on 8/19

In a shocking turn of events, NWA Smoky Mountain announced on their Facebook page on 7/30 that their event on 8/19 titled "ReGenesis" will be the promotion's final event.   No information other than that was revealed until an official statement on their website. Here is the statement that was given on their website:

"The event on Saturday, August 19 in Kingsport, TN will be the last NWA Smoky Mountain event. Current NWA Smoky Mountain promoter Tony Givens will address the crowd and explain the situation further.

Thanks to all of the people that have supported us over the last 6 years. We hope to see you all there on August 19 in Kingsport, TN"

On top of that announcement, there has been some matches announced for that event. Here is the official card so far for ReGenesis:

NWA United States Tag Team Title Match

The Ugly Ducklings (Rob Killjoy & Lance Lude)
w/ Coach Mikey (c)
vs.
The Brotherhood (Mickey Midas & Myron Reed)

6 Man Tag Team Match 

NWA World Tag Team Champions The Heatseekers (Sigmon & Elliott Russell)
& NWA Smoky Mountain TV Champion Axton Ray
vs.
Illuminati Members: Jordan Kage, ATM & Chris Richards

NWA Mountain Empire Title Match

“Mr. Fighting Spirit” Toby Farley (c)
w/ Rob Knight
vs.
“Mr. 500” Timmy Lou Retton
w/ Dylan Wayne Sizemore 

Main Event

“The Complete Athlete” Devin Driscoll
vs.
“Iron Man” Rob Conway

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That is all the information given by NWA Smoky Mountain at this time. Stay tuned to Rest Hold Party for more updates on the match card and the event. Those interested in attending the event should visit http://www.nwasmokymountain.com 

Also visit NWA Smoky Mountain's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/nwasmokymtn/

AAA When Worlds Collide 1994 (Retro Review)

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, humanoids of all ages, welcome back to Rest Hold Party! I am your Local Hero, your Review Guy himself, Cameron McDonley and I am here for what should be a very special review this evening as I review one of the greatest and most historic shows in all of Professional Wrestling history. As you see in the title, I will be reviewing AAA's When Worlds Collide event, which was live from the sold out LA Sports Arena on November 6, 1994. Two huge main event matches, plus other matches of historical significance on this show so without further ado, let's get straight to the action!

The show kicks off in a very unusual way compared to other promotions' pay per views at that time, as Mascarita Sagrada teams up with Octagoncito against current world minis champion at that time period Espectrito and his partner Jerrito Estrada. From an casual wrestling fan's standpoint watching this PPV, most of them had to have been thinking that this match was gonna have some comedy in it and would be more of a fun, light-hearted affair compared to the other matches on this show, but this match was nothing but, as all 4 wrestlers delivered on this night to kick off the PPV. Very high flying as commonplace in Lucha Libre, but also hard-hitting and very competitive. Sagrada was very impressive as always in this match, as he showed off his athleticism as well as his wherewithal to look very fluid inside the ring with his movements as well as his very solid-looking arm drags. This was indeed a very interesting way to kick off the show, nevertheless a very good match.

Match Rating: 3/5

The next match was a very notable one, as we would see a very young Rey Mysterio Jr, Heavy Metal and Latin Lover face Fuerza Guerrera, Madonna's Boyfriend and another incredibly young, up-and-coming luchador in Psicosis. As you would expect from the competitors involved, it was a solid match for sure. It started off with Psicosis and his team attacking the Technicos (faces) from behind, turning this athletic competition into a battle for respect. Mysterio would take some very serious bumps in this contest, as he would be lifted overhead and thrown into the crowd and also suplexed onto the floor by Madonna's boyfriend. Heavy Metal would take a beating as well, being ganged up on by the Rudos (heels) numerous times over the course of this match. There was also a pretty devastating spot in which Rey would hit a senton to the outside on Madonna's Boyfriend who was laying down on the outside. All of Rey's body would land square on the head of Louie Spicolli. Ouch!

There was also a part where Latin Lover would have a staredown with Madonna's Boyfriend who were about the same size as each other before they would lock horns and trade moves for a good 5 minutes. Seemed to me like there was a definite teaser for a match or feud between those two down the line, and although I have admittedly not seen much of AAA from that time period, a match between those two probably ended up happening at some point. After the conclusion of the match, the Rudos would retain their focus on Heavy Metal, proceeding to attack him in order to infuriate the audience, as their unfortunate victim's father was one of the officials for this match. Overall a very good showing from all six men.

Match rating: 3/5 

Our next matchup was the second and last six-man tag team match of the night, as Chris Benoit, 2 Cold Scorpio and the legendary Tito Santana go up against Jerry Estrada, La Parka and Blue Panther. This match was another one that was highly competitive, as all six wrestlers were able to show their strengths in this one. Other than this GIF worthy moment above this text, this match had very notable spots involving Chris Benoit, as he suplexed Blue Panther on the apron, hit a German Suplex with a bridge on La Parka and had a nasty spot when he jumped off the top for a flying headbutt attempt, missed the target and landed square on the top of his head. I can only imagine the pain that must've caused, considering his now infamous history of concussions.

2 Cold Scorpio looked great here as well, having a bit of an exchange between himself and La Parka for a good duration of the match. Tito Santana surprisingly had a great outing here, as it seems he adapted to the Lucha Libre style very quickly. He didn't come off looking bad at all here, rather pretty great. Really makes me wonder why he never had a lengthy run in either AAA or their rival promotion CMLL, I feel he could've done exceptionally well. Overall another very solid battle on this fine show.

Match Rating: 3/5

Now this may be a very, and I mean a VERY bold statement to make, but this match might just be the best wrestling match of the entire 90s. Now before you come at me with pitchforks ready to riot just like this LA crowd did, let me just tell you who is all involved in this match:

You have the team of Los Gringos Locos, which had the two best wrestlers in the world at that time in Eddie Guerrero and "Love Machine" Art Barr in one corner, and in the other corner you have two legendary luchadors, the team of Octagon and El Hijo Del Santo. One of those men is one of the most respected wrestlers in Mexico and the other is the son of the iconic El Santo. Now tell me this match isn't going to be great!

Anyway, this match was the only one out of the entire night to be the traditional two out of three falls and had a stipulation, a Lucha De Apuestas so to speak, as it was a Hair vs Mask match. With that said, imagine this passionate crowd witnessing a match like this. Every time a single move or near fall took place, the crowd either raged immensely at the thought of seeing their heroes unmasked or the delight of seeing the heels having their hair cut off with a pair of shears.

Drama was incredibly high throughout the contest, but it reached a fever pitch late in the third fall of the match as Eddie would distract the referee and Art Barr would pick up Octagon for one of the most devastating Tombstone Piledrivers I have ever seen. The crowd was in a frenzy with heat coming towards the direction of the AAA World Tag Team Champions, as Octagon would be shortly eliminated from the match, leaving El Hijo Del Santo alone with these dastardly villains. The near falls became more and more frantic towards the end, as this raucous LA crowd were on their feet in anticipation for Del Santo finally getting revenge on Eddie for unmasking himself and betraying him in Arena Mexico just short of a year before this. And that he did, as he ended up putting both Eddie and Art in a school-boy, pinning both of them with their shoulders on the mat for the three count and being able to wear his mask for another 20+ years. Not to mention Blue Panther reciprocating that Tombstone Piledriver on Art while the referee's back was turned.
Overall easily the best match of that entire decade.

Match Rating: 5/5

While the last match was notable for many reasons, this one was notable for many different other reasons. Main reason being the things that took place in this match. Billed as a Steel Cage match in the "biggest steel cage ever", longtime rivals Konnan and Perro Aguayo would take all the hype heading into this match and certainly live up to it. Seeing this for the second time I can safely say two things: One, this is the second best match of the entire PPV, Two this might be just the bloodiest, most goriest match I've ever seen in a wrestling ring that wasn't in Japan.

These two mainly brawled for most of the match, going everywhere around the cage from pillar to post with seething rage and radiating anger. However the tone of the match completely changed when Aguayo charged towards Konnan with speed ready to take him down with a clothesline when Konnan picked him up and launched him headfirst into the beam holding the cage together. Just as that happened, Aguayo's head looked like a red Fruit Gusher. Also I heard Dank Memes Melt Steel Beams, but that's a myth, apparently Konnan does. :)

Anyway, from then on the match was all Konnan for the next 20 minutes and continued that way when Art and Eddie came out and passed brass knuckles to the already smug and confident Konnan. However, fortunes changed for Aguayo when Los Dynamite Brothers chased off Los Gringos Locos and Cien Caras punched Konnan off the cage as he was escaping, allowing Perro Aguayo to climb over the top for the win. Overall a very good main event to end the show.

Match Rating: 4/5

Overall Show Rating: 4.5/5 

After reviewing one of the most fun shows I've ever had the pleasure of viewing, I can safely say that this was one of the best PPV's of all time, with easily the best match of the entire 90s as it's co-main event. To all who haven't yet seen this show, I urge you to as soon as possible, it's a masterpiece of a show.

Anyway that should do it for this review! Until next time, this is your Local Hero and your Review Guy known as Cameron McDonley saying goodbye everybody!

NWA Smoky Mountain Review (1/28/17)

Welcome Professional Wrestling fans and loyal readers of Rest Hold Party, I am the Local Hero, the Review Guy himself, Cameron McDonley. Today, I hop back on the saddle for a new review!!! This time, I am reviewing a show that has history, that has tradition, and dates all the way back to the territory era. That's right ladies and gentlemen, I am reviewing the newest edition of NWA Smoky Mountain television!

The program kicks off with an announcement regarding the main event at Encore on February 12th. It will be a No Time Limit, No Holds Barred, anything goes contest between Jason Kincaid and Chase Owens for the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship! After that brief announcement and a quick preview of tonight's card, we go straight to the action!

Our first match of the night was a sight to behold, as the NWA Smoky Mountain TV champion Axton Ray defended his title against Timmy Lou Retton. Personally I thought the match was an excellent way to start off the show, as these two had a very fast-paced, highly competitive match. You didn't see either man on the ground too often, as these two wrestlers took flight numerous times throughout this struggle for that prize. Given the size of Timmy Lou Retton, that was most likely not an easy feat to be leaping with grace as if he was a 1990's WCW Cruiserweight. At the end of it all, Axton Ray was victorious and still your reigning and defending Television Champion.
Rating: 3.5/5 

After a quick commercial break, we are treated to a 6-Man Tag Team Match already in progress, as The Hardliners & Travis Lee compete against Robbie Cassidy and the G-Squad. This match was another competitive one, and it stayed that way until The Hardliners and Travis Lee tried to use their numbers game take advantage of a situation that would only benefit them and their victory. Out comes Wild Bill, and immediately they clear the ring. It seems like the playing field is now even, but as soon as Wild Bill went to the top rope, a shocked buzz fills the arena as he hit Cassidy with a diving headbutt off the top, ensuring a victory and possibly a new addition to the stable of The Hardliners and Lee. Pretty fun match with a nice turn at the end. Very enjoyable.
Rating: 3.5/5 

Following the last two matches and another announcement regarding Encore, we have your main event of the evening. The NWA United States Tag Team Championships are on the line as The Heatseekers defend against the Ugly Ducklings. I'm just gonna say this right now. If there's any one match you need to see from the card this week, it's this tag team tile match. It was a hard-fought match between two of the best teams in NWA Smoky Mountain, and four of the best wrestlers in the tag team division. What I loved the most about this match is Sigmon's performance throughout the 20+ minutes that this match was taking place. He was no- nonsense, didn't show off too much. Just went in there and made everything he did look like it killed the guy. His move-set also reminds me of a few well-established technical wrestlers from wrestling's past, especially with his suplexes and the Flying Headbutt. Everybody else performed very well also, and left it all out in the ring. The champions may have left with their belts after controversially using a ladder to their advantage while the referee was not keeping his eye on the action, but at the end of it all, neither team has anything to be ashamed of, as they put on one heck of a clinic!
Rating: 4.45/5 

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Well, that is it for this week's review, I am once again the Local Hero and the Review Guy, Cameron McDonley and I hope to see you all again soon with either another review, or a news article!

BREAKING NEWS: NBCUniversal/Charter Negotiations Could Affect WWE

According to Variety, NBC Universal are in a carriage-negotiation standoff with Charter that has a probability of seeing millions of customers lose access to channels owned by NBCU starting January 1st. The reason being is that Charter have rejected a package price for NBCU's channels that are similar to those paid by other cable and television distributors. It is due to that, that negotiations have come to a halt.

The results of this was a marketing campaign to pressure Charter's customers into calling them and ask to take a more flexible negotiation stance. If a deal does not come to fruition, there will be a total blackout of NBC Universal-related programming starting January 1st of 2017. The channels affected are as follows:Bravo, E!, Syfy, USA, MSNBC, CNBC, and Oxygen. 

When reached for comment by Variety, this is what NBC Universal had to say:

"NBCUniversal values its partnership with Charter Spectrum, our third largest distributor. Charter Spectrum has been unyielding in its demand for terms superior to those agreed to by the rest of the industry, including larger distributors. Given this position, we feel the responsibility to inform viewers that Charter Spectrum may drop NBCUniversal’s networks at the end of the year, including NBC, Telemundo, USA, Bravo and hit shows including the #1 show on TV—Sunday Night Football, WWE, the Golden Globes, This is Us and more." 

(SOURCE: http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/nbcuniversal-charter-1201949840/) 

Understandably, this is a huge story for pro wrestling as well, knowing that WWE is the leading promotion in all of the world and this blackout if it were to happen, could drastically cut down most of WWE's viewership for RAW and SmackDown Live, which both are on the USA Network. Seeing how ratings have been lately for World Wrestling Entertainment, they cannot afford a loss as big as 2 million viewers or even more, given that Charter is the third largest distributor and a large part of the United States has Time Warner Cable. 

We will keep you updated on this story as things continue to unfold....... 

Interview With JTG!

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm Bill Gesios the owner of RestHoldParty and I'm here with an exclusive interview with Jayson Paul aka JTG! Hey Jayson, How are you?

I'm Great, just enjoying life.

That's great,I'm trying to do the same thing.. So let's get into the questions, so.. I always wanted to know, what does JTG stands for and how did you came up with that Nickname?

I came up with JTG in my development school ( OVW) and it stood for "Just Too Good".

Great! I also really want to know, How did WWE find about you and when did you sign with World Wrestling Entertainment?

I signed with WWE in 2006 out of OVW development school. Vince saw a video of Shad and I and loved our chemistry on screen.

Oh wow! What was the reception from wrestlers backstage after it was announced you'd been released from WWE? Or do you not really know?

I don't really know. But I DO KNOW that they were not in shock hahaha.

I was home for over a year after they released me.

That's terrible. Is there any possibility you'll return to WWE anytime soon?

There could be, I have never reached out to them and I don't plan on doing it, hahaha.

Well, now after the WWE draft which brand are you supporting the most? RAW or SmackDown Live?

I really don't follow the product but I would love Smackdown to do well.

That's Nice! To be honest I would really love to see you returning to WWE and joining Smackdown Live, I would be so hyped! So I also really want to know, Who's your favourite Pro Wrestler of all time (Except from yourself) and why?

I loved Bret Hart growing up. He motivated me to pursue my dream. He knew how to tell a story in the ring and he was believable.

Bret Hart was really awesome! I got a few more questions if you mind, This one was actually asked by a fan, What Wrestling promotions are you enjoying watching at the moment?

I haven't been watching wrestling as of lately and when I do it's WWE . I watch the major PPVs and thats it. Wrestlemania, Summerslam, Royal Rumble.

Nice! We (the fans) really want to know what you've been doing as of lately, like where do you live? Where are you working? If you have a family?

I live between Boston and LA at the moment. I've been working at the Indy's, working on a App, auditioning, acting, and writing a play.

That's great man! I'm really happy for you! Do you have any plans for the near future?

Shooting for film called the ultimate spider-man. Its a independent Fan-film about Miles Morale's. I'm playing Venom.

Pretty cool! I got one last question. Is there anything you'd like to say to the new wrestlers out there?

READ MY TWO BOOKS! learn the in and outs of the business through the pages of my books. Politics, heat and how to play the game.

Hahaha, Awesome!! Thanks for your time Jayson, I really appreciate it! That was Jayson Paul, JTG everybody!

BUY JTG's BOOK HERE!!! 

Follow JTG on Twitter: @Jtg1284

Follow RestHoldParty on Twitter: @RestHoldParty

SHIMMER Wrestling's Full Roster 2016

Here is SHIMMER Wrestling's full active roster in 2016.

Allysin Kay
Amanda Carolina Rodriguez
Arisa Nakajima
Candice LeRaeCherry
Bomb
Courtney Rush
EvieHeidi Lovelace
Hudson Envy
Jessicka Havok
Kay Lee Ray
KC Spinelli
Kellie Skater
Kimber Lee
LuFisto
Madison Eagles
Melanie Cruise
Mercedes Martinez
Mia Yim
Leva Bates
Nicole Matthews
Nicole Savoy
Nixon Newell
Rhia O'Reilly
Ryo Mizunami
Samantha Heights
Scarlett Bordeaux
Shayna Baszler
Shazza McKenzie
Solo Darling
Taeler Hendrix
Taylor Made
Tessa Blanchard
Thunderkitty
Vanessa Kraven
Veda ScottViper
Xandra BaleYumi Ohka

Impact Wrestling Review: (10/20/16)

Salutations my readers, welcome back to the Party of Rest Holds! I am Cameron Mcdonley, the BROKEN Review Guy, and your Hero of Locals ready to bring you a review that once again emanates from the Impact Zone in strikingly beautiful Orlando, Florida! There is a lot to discuss with this episode of Impact, and trust me when I say this, it's gonna be one thrilling ride! Let's cut to the chase and get started on this fine Sunday morning!

Our entertaining two hours of Impact begins with Cody Rhodes in the ring, cutting an emotional promo about when he decided to be a wrestler, how his father told him to only go into the profession if you're the best and to be the best, you have to be World Heavyweight Champion. Eddie Edwards interrupted this passionate moment with one of his own, saying that even though he respects Cody, he will lose their match tonight because beating Cody proves that he is the best. Bobby Lashley made an exception to that, cutting off these two with a statement saying that whoever wins tonight is keeping it warm for him, and that whoever wins will get hurt. Usually I'd hate that they've been opening up the last three Impact episodes with a promo segment, but this one was the best of the three, with promos that had conviction behind them and the segment in general felt like legitimate emotion radiating off of these wrestlers. Enjoyable to say the least.
Rating: 3/5 

The match that kicked us off tonight on Impact was surprisingly one that the live crowd has been wanting to see for months on end, as "The Destroyer" Bobby Lashley squared off against Moose in what was a very physical and incredible match to watch. These two men definitely brought the best out of each other tonight, as these two had no problems just having a little more malice in their moves and a lot more athleticism mixed in with their exceptional realism and selling in that ring. Although I had a bit of an issue with Moose no-selling a vicious snap suplex in the beginning of the contest, throughout were moments I enjoyed, such as Moose hitting a senton to the outside, sending Lashley into a chair that broke upon the impact of his body, no pun intended. Both men kicked out of their own finishes, and each other's finishing maneuvers in this contest as well as each other's signature moves until Bobby Lashley went to the top rope and leaped off, catching his opposition with a spear for the pinfall victory. Mostly an exciting contest with a fun ending. Not much else to say.
Rating: 4/5 

We cut to the back where The Tribunal was cutting a promo when suddenly, the feed phased out and left us staring at these three men in masks sending us a message from whatever room they are at using CCTV footage. These men in masks obviously have a very dark plan, but what it is, is certainly unknown because these presumable humans speak very cryptically about the future of Impact Wrestling and their intentions. Incredibly intriguing, I hope this leads to something out of the ordinary in every positive way. This has the potential to be a very interesting angle, whether that be for good or bad reasons.
Rating: 3/5 

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are live from whatever studio in Orlando for the hottest talk show in wrestling today, the Fact Of Life! Starring one of the most ridiculous characters in TNA history, Eli Drake!
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Yes my readers, we are treated to another Fact Of Life segment, with his guest this week being none other than Aron Rex! Although the banter back and forth at times was very funny and comical, the piped in studio sounds were a bit on the irritating side after a while, which is my only complaint about this segment. EC3 entered the fray and attempted several times to goad Eli Drake into pressing the dummy button, until he finally caved in, causing a huge brawl on set as Ethan Carter took down security and punched Rex in the face to get to his enemy. Jessie Godderz attacked Rex from behind, causing this once comedic segment to become a haven for bedlam and violence between four men that have no love lost for one another. A very fun segment, albeit very much an annoyance at the start.
Rating: 3.5/5 

In our next contest was a TNA Tag Team Championship match, as the Broken Hardy's were pit against the men who attacked them last week, The Tribunal in what seemed like a very trying title defense. Baron Dax and Bastille Baraka were almost successful in gaining their first titles in TNA, but as usual, Broken Matt and the nefarious Brother Nero used their BROKEN Brilliance and their premonitions to defeat their opponents, allowing the champions to be the tag champs for another week. After the match, the feed cut off and the lights went out in the arena. When they came back on, the aforementioned three men in masks appeared and brutally assaulted the Tribunal, leaving destruction in their wake as they gave the Hardy's and Reby a deathly stare.
Rating: 3.5/5 

As per usual, when Maria Kanellis and her idiotic clique of imbeciles & retards make their ways to the 6-Sided ring, the show goes from enjoyable to a chore to watch real quick, as the 5 minutes or so that they're on screen feel like an eternity. It was the usual "I hate my assistant, let's humiliate this dumb human live on TV" shtick we get from these three hooligans every single week. Maybe there's a point that I'm not getting like I don't know, DRAWING SYMPATHY TO THE BABYFACE!
However, at this point you can't even make me feel bad for Allie, because she's such an incessant child that you even want to see her get pummeled. When you make the audience even hate the face in this situation, that's when you should really take a step back and most likely scrap this whole storyline before it hurts all of their characters' developments. Really, I want them all written off my television at this point, get them all off I beg of you TNA.
Rating: 1.5/5 

Following this segment was one that was equally as hideous (in a good way), this time with DJ Z cutting a usual face promo until Rockstar Spud came in with a mic and berated himself, DJ Z and the entire crowd. Talk about a miserable human being, this guy might be the most bitter man in this company next to Billy Corgan at the moment. Unlike the contrary from most fans, I enjoy when Rockstar Spud is on screen because he's what a heel should be. His character is a man with no redeemable qualities that you would pay to see get at least a receipt for his deplorable and bitter ways. While Maria has "get off my television" heat, Spud has the kind of heat that makes me want to see him get savagely beaten, and that my friends is the heat you want to attract in this business.
Rating: 3/5 

After an eventful Impact episode that has not felt like it's been two hours (more like one), we have reached our main event of the show. Cody Rhodes is the challenger, opposing the TNA Champion Eddie Edwards on the other side of the ring for this one of a kind contest. Even though Lashley vs Moose at the start of the show was exciting to watch, this one was certainly match of the night, as their styles meshed almost perfectly. There were many high spots, as well as holds that were exchanged between the two. Honestly a perfect blend of spots in the match if you ask me, because every move was sold exceptionally well, with no immediate relief after a high-octane shot which is not what you want in a match like this. Two athletes of their esteemed caliber should be able to put on a phenomenal performance, and they did just that. Neither man was able to finish the other off decisively however, as Edwards retained his tile by obtaining a pinfall victory with a school-boy   roll-up.
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Immediately after the match, Maria Kanellis *sighs* ambushes Brandi Rhodes from behind while Cody is alone in the ring. It's one thing if The Miracle is feuding with Cody, but is Maria is feuding with Brandi, God help us all. That's all I have to say.
Rating: 4.42/5

Full Show Rating: 4/5
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Honestly I have no further comments about this week's show other than the fact that this show for the most part did not drag, and was left thoroughly entertained with a few exceptions. Really nothing else to say.
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Well, that concludes things for this review, I'm the "Local Hero" Cameron Mcdonley signing off. Goodbye everybody and I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

Lucha Underground: Payback Time (Review: 10/19/16)

Ladies and Gentlemen, sound the mariachi band, cue the commentators and let anarchy ring throughout the temple! Yes my readers, welcome to another Lucha Underground Review! I am the "Local Hero" Cameron Mcdonley, alongside my trusty keyboard to give you the best review of the chaotic ride that is Lucha Underground. With that said, let's cut the talking, because there's a lot of action we have to experience during this fine hour.

The show opens with Prince Puma preparing for his war with Mil Muertes later on in the show when Vampiro appears, once again offering his managerial services to the face of The Temple. Puma clearly rejected that offer, stating that he'd rather die by Mil's hands than to live by his. Vampiro makes his prediction known to him that he thinks Prince Puma will make "The Man Of 1,000 Deaths" die by his hands. This was a segment I found highly intriguing, because I can visualize how this angle will take shape, with the twisted human being who once set Sting on fire managing a man that is usually a very prideful individual. It'd be like James Mitchell going to WWE and managing a heel John Cena, but not quite. Anyway, the vignette left me very interested, and I'd like to see where this leads to.
Rating: 3/5

Our opening match is once again another product of Dario's Dial of Doom, as Killshot was selected by the hand of the wheel to try his hand at ripping the Lucha Underground title from the cannibalistic monster's grasp. He ultimately did not obtain the victory, as Matanza Cueto defeated his newest challenger in a 20 minute display of physicality, notably from Killshot himself, as he displayed a really solid level of intensity and passion we don't usually see from him. Matanza was not slacking in the aggression department either, as he hit a sickening uppercut to the side of his opposition's head in the midway point of this match. Great match.
Rating: 3.5/5

After a solid and noteworthy title match, an unidentified man with dog-tags similar to the former soldier walked very eerily to the ring. Killshot noticed who he was and embraced him, but was only met with an inverted axe kick and a spinning brainbuster from his once brother-in-arms. Although we do not know his name, it was very clear who he was, because he whispered "You left me for dead" as he dropped his dog-tags on the chest of Killshot. I hope we can get some information on his character name and a further look into his backstory, because this whole ordeal seems extremely intense right off the bat.
Rating: 3.5/5 

Preceding another vague "They'll Be Here Soon" promo, the Trios Champions (Aerostar, Fenix and Drago) entered the ring for what seemed to be another Trios contest when the owner of this esteemed establishment, Dario Cueto himself, shook up the course a bit by offering another flavor, a triple threat match between the champions! It wasn't just for the sick enjoyment of Dario however, as a number twenty spot in the Aztec Warfare match on November 9th was on the line! We were definitely treated to a masterpiece here, as all three of these high-caliber luchadors fought through blood, sweat and possible brain damage for a late entry into a battle royal where the Lucha Underground Championship was up for grabs. There was an excessive amount of high-flying maneuvers from Fenix, but that does not change the overall feeling of the match, as the crowd was hot for all of it and Drago had a decisive victory with a destroyer DDT that looked like he shattered Aerostar's neck. When wrestlers can make it look like they're killing each other, you know they've put on a contest that is one to remember.
Rating: 4/5 

From there, we cut to a brief backstage segment between Cobra Moon and Drago. Moon was almost ordering Drago to win the championship at Aztec Warfare 3 for their tribe. Drago angrily notified her that he left her tribe dozens of years ago before screaming into the sky in frustration. It may have been short, but it was still enjoyable, as it was used to further what seems to be a new storyline for both Cobra Moon and Drago. I hope they do something worthwhile with this, but then again, they don't need me wishing or hoping because I can almost guarantee you that this will be at least fun to watch over the next few weeks or even more if they take it that far.
Rating: 3/5 

Dario Cueto is doing absolutely nothing in his office when a desperate and frustrated Johnny Mundo storms into his office with a bargain for a Gift Of The Gods championship match with Sexy Star next week. Mundo briefly mentions what happened at the end of episode 1 in 2014 when Dario offered him the highest payout in the show's history before handing him the briefcase in desperation to get at least one singles championship in Lucha Underground. Mr. Cueto accepts the money and signs the match, making it set in stone for next week's show.
Rating: 3.5/5

The time has come, the clock has struck noon and the two baddest gunslingers are going at it in the temple! It is Prince Puma going to war once more with his arch-nemesis Mil Muertes in a clash that will eclipse any level of intensity that these two had in any of their past encounters! A war it most certainly was, as this time there was no hesitation, no methodical movement as these two bitter enemies didn't think twice about attempting to eviscerate the other throughout the entire match. Every single move from these two gladiators was done with conviction. Although neither man were killed off in this match, it seems like Muertes has met his match, as Puma pinned him cleanly in the ring for one of the most shocking outcomes in the show's short, but illustrious history.
Rating: 4.5/5 

This brilliant episode ends with a final segment, cutting to Rey Mysterio's training grounds, where he was seen conversing with Chavo Guerrero Sr, otherwise known as Chavo Classic to nostalgic fans who watched WWE in the Ruthless Aggression Era. The former NWA and AWA breakout star, the man who innovated the moonsault was presented with a ultimatum from the King Of Lucha Libre that no parent should be forced to partake in. He either blackballs his own son from the Guerrero family, or Rey himself is leaving that family altogether. This rivalry has surely become incredibly personal, as a legendary family is now caught in the crossfire of what has been a dangerous rivalry so far.
Rating: 4.5/5 

Full Show Rating: 4.85/5

This show was in my opinion, the best episode of this new season, as we were treated to three entertaining matches, segments that were undoubtedly intense, and storylines for the near future were given the seeds to be planted and turned into something worthwhile. Not much else to say, I enjoyed myself watching this, and I hope everybody reading this did as well.

That statement concludes this review, I am the "Review Guy" Cameron Mcdonley signing off, hopefully I will see you all soon. Goodnight everybody!

ROH: All-Star Extravaganza Review! (9/30/16)

Good morning ladies and gents, I am the Local Hero, the Review Guy Cameron Mcdonley, and today, I am here to review what just might be PPV of the year for Ring Of Honor. Yes, I am finally reviewing All-Star Extravaganza 8!!! As per usual, I'm gonna stop talking, and get to writing, because this was epic! Let's get straight to the festivities!!

This incredible show begins with a television title match between Bobby Fish and rising ROH wrestler Donovan Dijak. The match was not the best match of the night, but it was still a great showing from both men, as Bobby Fish's offense was as submission based as you can get and Dijak was not afraid to go full steam ahead with his power and his uncanny speed. The champion was just mere seconds away from seeing his title slip from his grasp when he got hit with Feast Your Eyes, but luckily enough his foot was on the bottom rope. The beginning of the end came when Dijak missed one of the most beautiful moonsaults I've seen in my life, and it wasn't long before his opponent Bobby Fish applied an inescapable rear naked choke, ending the match by submission.
Rating: 3.5/5 

The match that was to follow this solid match was a four-corner survival between ANX (Kenny King & Rhett Titus), Dalton Castle & Colt Cabana, War Machine (Hanson & Rowe) and Shane Taylor & Keith Lee. This was still a good match, as there was a lot of notable spots including a sequence that included an impressive frog splash by Rhett Titus and a pain-inflicting clothesline by Shane Taylor that sent his love sick adversary flipping in the air. All the massive wrestlers in this match including a 400 pound monster known as Keith Lee launched their bodies to the outside, leaving a devastated Rhett Titus and eccentric Dalton Castle in the ring alone. Castle hits a bang-a-rang, obtaining a huge victory for himself and a true ROH legend in Colt Cabana.
Rating: 3.5/5

After we hear from Nigel McGuinness and his worries about tonight's main event, we cut to another satisfying dose of in-ring action as Dragon Lee faced Kamaitachi in what I believe was one of the dark horse matches of the night. Many expected it to be a good one including myself, but the match we got was worth seeing every minute of. These two men took a lot of risks throughout this match. Multiple dives, hard strikes and one of the most sickening brainbusters I've ever seen in my life. That would've easily been the end of the match right there, but these two men were more intent on destroying their bodies than ending what has already been an insane match. It perorates with a Phoenix Suplex that had Kamaitachi down for the count, leaving Dragon Lee as your victor.
Rating: 4.5/5 

Preceding this battle was one that was surprisingly short, as Kyle O' Reilly faced Hangman Page in what was most likely the shortest match of the night. However 10 minutes was enough to get a handful of physicality in, as O' Reilly did not let up on his opponent, striking hard as ever and applying submissions like a well-oiled machine until Page tapped rather quickly. The malice behind Page was still there though, as he put Kyle's arm in a chair, launching him into the steel ring post like he was possessed by Alberto Del Rio, must to the dismay of Bobby Fish who was too late to save his fallen brethren. It is speculated that Adam Cole ordered Hangman Page to commit such a heinous act, and a this point in the angle I'd agree. I just wish these two can have another match somewhere in the near future, because I know they're capable of so much more than a 10 minute match.
Rating: 3.5/5 

The six-man Tag Team Championship tournament is underway with a match between The Briscoes and Toru Yano vs ACH, Kushida and Jay White. This match was a usual 15 minute tag match, as everybody landed each of their spots while displaying some decent psychology. The match eventually broke down quite frantically, as a brawl broke out, spiraling into everyone connecting with their finishers until ACH stopped Toru Yano dead in his tracks with a 450 splash, claiming the first victory in the tournament.
Rating: 3/5 

Jay Lethal opposes IWGP Intercontinental Champion Tetsuya Naito on the other side of the ring for this next match. From the sound of the bell, these two went at it, showing intensity with every move seen in this match. Naito hits a spinebuster reminiscent of the legendary Arn Anderson to transition into Destino, which is his finishing maneuver. Sadly he did not connect, as Lethal reversed it into a cutter position. He attempted Lethal Injection, which that was also reversed but luckily for Lethal, he still inflicted significant damage with a spinning heel kick that looked devastating. After fighting off a 2 on 1 assault from his opponent and EVIL, he hit a Lethal Injection from the second rope and only gets a two count, shocking everyone in the process! The damage was already done however, as Naito had his powerbomb reversed into a two move sequence: a Hurricanrana and a third Lethal Injection. Great match, Lethal still looks incredibly strong after that win and Naito did not look weak at all. Even better yet, that's the 4th time in a month that a New Japan guy lost to an ROH wrestler! All around awesome.
Rating: 4/5

Our co-main event of the evening is Adam Cole vs 'Unbreakable" Michael Elgin for the ROH World Title. The feud that sent ROH into the mainstream wrestling scene at Best In The World two years ago, and here we are, it has come full circle with Adam Cole once again Ring Of Honor World Champion and Elgin opposing him as the challenger. This match was arguably one of the better ones these two had, as the story was well-documented heading into this match and they played off of it really well, using spots that are shades of their past encounters, including their more famous contest from 2014. The NJPW/CMLL star came very close to knocking the champion off the hilltop, but as always, Cole finds a way to win and survive, and here he is, hitting the Last Shot on Elgin for the pinfall victory.
Rating: 3.99/5 

Finally, we have reached the main event of the evening after a great 3 hour show! Motor City Machine Guns, The Addiction and the Young Bucks all in one match, with a ladder between them! That's right readers, Ladder War 6 has finally come, the be all, end all of ladder matches right here! What else more can I say? This match was like nothing I've ever seen in this business. These men obviously don't have the meaning of the word danger in their vocabulary, as all of these teams risked their lives by going out there and having this match. By the end of it, table shards were everywhere, ladders and bodies were broken from the abuse and punishment they took. Christopher Daniels was the most damaged in this match, as he was bleeding profusely and his body was mangled from what he went through. I was left speechless by every spot, but none more than Daniels landing back first on a set-up barricade that I had no doubt was gonna break, but it never budged off the contraption. "The Fallen Angel" was more broken than every table, ladder and chair he went through, and that is no exaggeration. Kamaitachi and Jay White who weren't officially in the match went through tables as well, rendering them eliminated from the equation. The match culminated with an Indy-Taker off the top of the ladder on Kazarian through the table by Matt & Nick Jackson and the tandem ripping the titles from the clasp. We have new Ring Of Honor World Tag Team Champions, and God did they ever deserve it. That match was a brutal, gruesome masterpiece, and it cannot be disputed or brought up for discussion. I just hope everyone is okay after the match. An absolute classic, no doubt in my mind.
Rating: 5/5 

Full Show rating: 5/5

This was indeed Pay-Per-View of the year for ROH, if not argued as the best for this year. Between Death Before Dishonor, Wrestle Kingdom 10, NXT Takeover Dallas and this PPV, I am gonna have a hard time voting for PPV of the year if we ever do awards for 2016. Just magnificent.

This has been my first PPV review,and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I am the Local Hero, the Review Guy Cameron Mcdonley, and at least for 7 more hours, this is Goodbye Everybody!